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Initial disappointment
- Thread starter MattSmith45
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^ That's hilarious.
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This really depends on the school. Mine has a very OMM heavy curriculum, making OMM the bane of my existence. On the upside, I'll be well prepared come board time.
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Can I message you about that?
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Sure.
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I can understand your feelings, especially if you're a traditional student and getting into med school is the main thing you've been working towards in your adult life. As a nontrad, I just hated my short post-bac pre-med experience and I'd be more than happy to go to a DO school if that means I can finally begin my medical career.
But maybe you'd be more willing to spend more time preparing for an MCAT retake, taking more classes for a GPA boost, or generally addressing any issues that prevented you from getting into an MD school.
But is it worth it? Another year with anxiety over applying, another year of trying but not being there quite yet. And you have no guarantee you'll get into an MD school.
If I were you, I'd take that acceptance and just embrace everything that is different about DOs, maybe you'll grow to love OMM or become proud of the history, who knows.
Also, DO schools tend to attract a lot of nontrads and people with interesting life stories. You might find that your classmates are not "MD rejects" but people who can inspire you in different ways.
Congrats on your acceptance!
But maybe you'd be more willing to spend more time preparing for an MCAT retake, taking more classes for a GPA boost, or generally addressing any issues that prevented you from getting into an MD school.
But is it worth it? Another year with anxiety over applying, another year of trying but not being there quite yet. And you have no guarantee you'll get into an MD school.
If I were you, I'd take that acceptance and just embrace everything that is different about DOs, maybe you'll grow to love OMM or become proud of the history, who knows.
Also, DO schools tend to attract a lot of nontrads and people with interesting life stories. You might find that your classmates are not "MD rejects" but people who can inspire you in different ways.
Congrats on your acceptance!
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I have been in an Air National Guard medical unit for over six years now and the physicians in the unit are about 50/50 MD/DO respectively. You would never know unless you asked because they don't care and they don't discern professionally between MD and DO. They simply work together towards the goal of patient care.
The only people who really seem to care about this are pre-meds. Get over yourself and go become a physician.
The only people who really seem to care about this are pre-meds. Get over yourself and go become a physician.
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Totally agree, but I should add (just for honesty sake) that the military is really different than the civilian world when it comes to DO bias stuff. As a DO you have exactly the same amount of chance of getting into top military residencies as MD students do. But one simply could not genuinely say the same about top ACGME residencies in most specialties. DOs CAN get into those top specialties, and they CAN get into those big name places... But if we are being statistically honest, its definitely harder for the DO than it is for an MD - discussing TOP places here, not 90% of the normal places or specialties.
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Oh, man. Another MD vs. DO thread...
OP, I know that people are being very harsh on this thread, but honestly, what did you expect? You're not going to get much reassurance or sympathy here, especially because this is one issue that irks DOs the most. You're literally coming to an osteopathic forum and saying you're second rate, and then asking a ton of osteopathic "second rate" applicants to reassure you that you're not second rate. See the irony here?
Firstly, you should know that the MD vs. DO distinction is run by pre-meds. Yes, there is still DO bias, and top MD residencies may still discriminate against DOs, but that is lessening every year; the MD/DO residency merger will further continue this trend. Pre-meds - yes, the ones with NO ACTUAL MED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE - are the ones that seem to be obsessed with MD vs. DO wars.
Secondly, people go DO for a variety of reasons. Many weren't accepted to MD schools, but DO schools aren't just made up of MD rejects. Tons upon tons of people are impressed with the philosophy, some love OMM and want to learn about hands-on manipulation, still others go for the geographical location, others have been inspired by a DO to pursue the osteopathic route, etc. etc. I know of several people that picked DO over MD and a couple that only applied DO, even with MD-level stats. If you see going to any US medical school as a second rate option, then you're deluding yourself. You should also be aware that DO schools, like MD schools, have acceptance rates in the single digits, making many of them more competitive than the Ivies for undergrad. Getting into any medical school, MD or DO, is a huge accomplishment, and you sound extremely ungrateful.
With all due respect, if you're obsessed with the MD after your name, why don't you just go to the Caribbean? Their acceptance standards are much lower than those of DO schools, and you'll have MD after your name when you graduate.
OP, I know that people are being very harsh on this thread, but honestly, what did you expect? You're not going to get much reassurance or sympathy here, especially because this is one issue that irks DOs the most. You're literally coming to an osteopathic forum and saying you're second rate, and then asking a ton of osteopathic "second rate" applicants to reassure you that you're not second rate. See the irony here?
Firstly, you should know that the MD vs. DO distinction is run by pre-meds. Yes, there is still DO bias, and top MD residencies may still discriminate against DOs, but that is lessening every year; the MD/DO residency merger will further continue this trend. Pre-meds - yes, the ones with NO ACTUAL MED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE - are the ones that seem to be obsessed with MD vs. DO wars.
Secondly, people go DO for a variety of reasons. Many weren't accepted to MD schools, but DO schools aren't just made up of MD rejects. Tons upon tons of people are impressed with the philosophy, some love OMM and want to learn about hands-on manipulation, still others go for the geographical location, others have been inspired by a DO to pursue the osteopathic route, etc. etc. I know of several people that picked DO over MD and a couple that only applied DO, even with MD-level stats. If you see going to any US medical school as a second rate option, then you're deluding yourself. You should also be aware that DO schools, like MD schools, have acceptance rates in the single digits, making many of them more competitive than the Ivies for undergrad. Getting into any medical school, MD or DO, is a huge accomplishment, and you sound extremely ungrateful.
With all due respect, if you're obsessed with the MD after your name, why don't you just go to the Caribbean? Their acceptance standards are much lower than those of DO schools, and you'll have MD after your name when you graduate.
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I don't need to be grateful for an acceptance. I earned it on my own.
I'm not "obsessed" with anything. I was just disappointed at first for not getting into UIC, Rush, Loyola, or any of the other allopathic schools in my state. I'm an Illinois resident and am content going to my state DO school (I've heard Midwestern is a decent school, btw) but I'd be lying if I would say that it was my top choice. Regarding Caribbean schools, I don't want to go venture into the islands for a medical degree. I'm sure it's possible to do fine from there, but I would rather not be that far away from home. Hell, I have a classmate who is going to a caribbean school after not getting into a single US MD school. He didn't apply to any DO schools because he wasn't interested in doing so but I don't judge him one bit. Everyone has their preferences.
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Lets just put that bow on the package that makes you sound like a complete jerk:
Come from dual MD parent stock - check
Not happy with DO because of your parents - check
Not being grateful for an acceptance - check
There are plenty of people who have worked harder than you and have persevered more and still have no acceptance in hand. You actually should have some semblance of gratitude and appreciation for how your life has turned out. I think it is disingenuous to the reality of your fortunate situation if you say otherwise.
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Do you say "thank you" when people give you an interview or offer you a job?
Yea, I mean if you want to be a physician, take the acceptance; but if it's going to stick in your craw, please just give the spot up to someone that really wants it already! Seriously. This sucks for others that really want to be physicians. Yikes.
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Yikes.
Wow. I am at a loss for words and that rarely happens to me. *scratching head* My, my. What will your patients think--providing care for them as merely a DO?🙄
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That awkward moment when you realize you have alienated yourself from everyone that was trying to encourage you...
Having been like you at one point, I do not envy the PhD in "hard knocks" you are most likely going to earn in your lifetime.
Having been like you at one point, I do not envy the PhD in "hard knocks" you are most likely going to earn in your lifetime.
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Brb crying inside 😢 please let the rest of my classmates be cool (or at least, you know, grateful to be at Midwestern).
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Lol okay I guess I deserved these responses by bringing my questions, concerns, and remarks to the pre-osteo crowd. Why does everyone here get so butt hurt when someone brings actual concerns about the DO profression? Just because you're gung-ho because you got into an osteopathic school and are so proud of yourself, doesn't mean I have to be.
I'm going to enjoy the privileges and abilities that I will earn through my own hard work. I'm going to enjoy that paycheck; I earned it. I'm going to enjoy people thanking me; I earned it. I'm going to enjoy how easy it will be to find a job, how easy it is to relocate in this profession, and the respect that I will get. I earned it. I will also have the ability to help someone in crisis every time I go to work; that is pretty cool and something I'll enjoy as well.
What I'm not going to do is be eternally grateful to be accepted to medical school.
I'm going to enjoy the privileges and abilities that I will earn through my own hard work. I'm going to enjoy that paycheck; I earned it. I'm going to enjoy people thanking me; I earned it. I'm going to enjoy how easy it will be to find a job, how easy it is to relocate in this profession, and the respect that I will get. I earned it. I will also have the ability to help someone in crisis every time I go to work; that is pretty cool and something I'll enjoy as well.
What I'm not going to do is be eternally grateful to be accepted to medical school.
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You've made several threads about this and have received more than enough informative replies.
If anyone is butt-hurt buddy, it' you. It's clear that you are looking towards SDN for some self-justification. I hope you get over this, because whether you go to Harvard or LECOM you will be treated as an inferior at any hospital by the attendings/residents/interns/ and even nurses.
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Your sense of entitlement is absolutely disgusting.
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OP,
Seriously. Drop your DO acceptance so that someone who will really appreciate the incredible opportunity granted to them will get it.
Re-apply more broadly to MD programs in June. If you don't, I sense you will always have this weird type of "MD envy", and will not be a very pleasant co-physician to be around or work with. You'll be happier in the long run for it. Best of luck.
Seriously. Drop your DO acceptance so that someone who will really appreciate the incredible opportunity granted to them will get it.
Re-apply more broadly to MD programs in June. If you don't, I sense you will always have this weird type of "MD envy", and will not be a very pleasant co-physician to be around or work with. You'll be happier in the long run for it. Best of luck.
Before you turn down your acceptance, read about this doctor, I know the caption says "Hero MD" but this doctor is actually a DO.
His name is Dr. Richard Jadick DO, he received the Bronze Star for saving the lives of 30 US Servicemen in Iraq in 2006. Tell your parents about him.
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It's statements like those that are running this profession to the ground.
@MattSmith45 drop your DO acceptance and go for the MD, you'll obviously be happier there.
And TBH, with your sense entitlement, I would not want you as my doctor or colleague nor would I want you treating my family nor ANYONE for that matter.
People like Dr. Jadick will make sure the profession not only survives but thrives for years.
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I believe it.
On that point. Quite odd that they didn't put his actual credentials there.
Still he did amazing work.
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To
Because to the public MD = Doctor = Fixer of things.
There are cell phone repair shops that have MD in the title. There are flood repair companies that have MD in the title.
Because to the public MD = Doctor = Fixer of things.
There are cell phone repair shops that have MD in the title. There are flood repair companies that have MD in the title.
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I would suspect that maybe, just maybe, there were some folks that helped you along the way. No one lives in a vacuum.
On another note, I think it would it be a fun experiment if each school's admissions office could identify an applicants' posts on SDN.
For what it's worth, I'm eternally grateful for every interview, rejection, wait list, and acceptance I've received this year as I've learned a heck of a lot about myself and our medical education system along the way.
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You should really go to MD school. Seriously, you'll never be happy as a DO and we really don't want a bunch of also-rans as colleagues.
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You're probably lucky to have gotten into any medical school with this attitude and if any of this came out in your secondaries its really no surprise you didn't get into MD.
You are in for one big wakeup call in your not-so-distant future kid. Goodluck, you're going to need it.
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Matt,
A lot of people, including myself, have told you that you essentially in for a rude awakening. What people are saying to you is exactly what many said to me many years ago, but I did not listen. Just like they said I would, I struggled and life was difficult for me as I figured things out.
Not until I received the mentorship and kick in the pants (pants used because this does not seem to be the appropriate forum for cursing) that I needed, did I start down the correct path. What I am saying is please listen, we may seem like we are being jerks, but believe me when I say its because you have been accepted into a medical school- and we want you to succeed and reflect well upon the profession that we have chosen to pursue or spend our lives perfecting.
If you have any specific questions on mentorship or what you need to do to succeed and are willing to listen to advice that you may not be pleased to hear, please do not hesitate to PM me. As I have said, you are obviously intelligent enough to get accepted in to a medical school- now you just need the attitude that will lead you to success.
A lot of people, including myself, have told you that you essentially in for a rude awakening. What people are saying to you is exactly what many said to me many years ago, but I did not listen. Just like they said I would, I struggled and life was difficult for me as I figured things out.
Not until I received the mentorship and kick in the pants (pants used because this does not seem to be the appropriate forum for cursing) that I needed, did I start down the correct path. What I am saying is please listen, we may seem like we are being jerks, but believe me when I say its because you have been accepted into a medical school- and we want you to succeed and reflect well upon the profession that we have chosen to pursue or spend our lives perfecting.
If you have any specific questions on mentorship or what you need to do to succeed and are willing to listen to advice that you may not be pleased to hear, please do not hesitate to PM me. As I have said, you are obviously intelligent enough to get accepted in to a medical school- now you just need the attitude that will lead you to success.
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I'm sorry if I offended any of you. Some of you may have been in my position at some point, others maybe not, but wrestling with the thoughts of your future can sometimes bring out the nasty. Thank you for helping me keep perspective on this matter.
Best of luck to all!
Best of luck to all!
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OP, you sound like a complete douche. I for one am thrilled that we will not be classmates in the fall. But I imagine your classmates at Midwestern will recognize you right away.
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I'll be honest. While I wasn't as bad as the OP, I had some doubts about DO school when I started. I was worried about there being bias because of the letters.
Fast Foward to now: I stuck it out and busted my butt. I now realize that outside of a small portion of the elderly generation of physicians, there is virtually no bias against DOs. I matched into a US news top 30 MD surgical subspecialty residency program. I would not have been this successful if I would have chosen my local MD school.
Message: Be grateful and happy to have been wanted somewhere. Work hard and be as good as your fellow MD applicants for residency and you can be whatever you want, where ever you want.
Fast Foward to now: I stuck it out and busted my butt. I now realize that outside of a small portion of the elderly generation of physicians, there is virtually no bias against DOs. I matched into a US news top 30 MD surgical subspecialty residency program. I would not have been this successful if I would have chosen my local MD school.
Message: Be grateful and happy to have been wanted somewhere. Work hard and be as good as your fellow MD applicants for residency and you can be whatever you want, where ever you want.
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That's amazing to hear! Out of sheer curiosity, why do you think you wouldn't have been as successful had you chosen your local MD school? Congrats on your success thus far!
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Really 3 reasons. 1) I had lived in the same area my whole life and needed to get away to grow up. 2) I would have been too distracted by family and friends in my hometown much like I was throughout college. 3) The driving force to succeed was so strong. I felt like I had a chip on my shoulder because I was a DO. I wanted to show everyone that I was as good as any other med student. I realize now that there was no reason to have a chip on my shoulder, but none-the-less it was there and it really motivated me to match at a program that would make me feel "successful" (aka well respected academic residency). Granted, I realize now how stupid and immature I was at the time. My definition of success was very short sighted. Because I had my eyes on the prize (residency) the whole time, I overlooked a lot of my accomplishments along the way. Getting into any US medical school is a major accomplishment, getting through Step 1 is another huge accomplishment, and matching is another - honestly the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. Anyone who graduates and matches from any US med school to deserves an epic high five because it is not easy no matter how smart or prepared you think you are. I have no doubt that I would not have matched to as great a program (maybe not matched period) if I had went to my local MD school.
PS: Sorry for bragging, but screw it I worked hard. This is my time lol.
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Dumbest advice on this thread. Not sure if you know how hard it is to get into school, if you didn't get in now it will be harder next year since you have to show a great deal of improvement between now and June when applying.
Also with the merger going on, by the time you graduate it won't matter if you are an MD or DO.
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What does the merger have to do with anything here? The ACGME aren't the ones deciding who to interview and who not to. If you think the DO bias is going to *magically* disappear then you are in for one hell of a ride my friend.
